Fractured Scenes: Underground Music-Making in Hong Kong and East Asia

Fractured Scenes is the first academic account of music and sound art practices in Hong Kong that explores genres such as experimental/noise music, deconstructed electronic music, indie-pop, punk, garage rock, sound art, and DIY 'computer music'. It compares these practices to specific case studies in Mainland China and Japan to re-define the notion of a 'musical underground' in contemporary Hong Kong.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 268 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

Fractured Scenes is a groundbreaking academic exploration that delves into the realm of music and sound art practices that exist beyond the mainstream confines of Hong Kong. This comprehensive work combines meticulously researched academic essays with insightful and captivating original interviews conducted with renowned underground/independent musicians and sound artists hailing from Hong Kong. Additionally, firsthand accounts by key local scene actors provide a unique perspective, shedding light on various genres such as experimental/noise music, deconstructed electronic music, indie-pop, punk, garage rock, sound art, and DIY 'computer music, among others. By juxtaposing these Hong Kong underground music practices with specific case studies in Mainland China and Japan, Fractured Scenes aims to redefine the concept of a 'musical underground' in the context of contemporary Hong Kong.

This comprehensive study offers a deep dive into the rich tapestry of musical expressions that thrive beneath the surface, challenging traditional notions and shedding light on the diverse and dynamic landscape of Hong Kong's musical underground. Through its meticulous research and engaging interviews, Fractured Scenes provides a valuable contribution to the field of music studies, offering a fresh perspective on the evolving nature of music and its cultural significance in the region.

The book is organized into five distinct chapters, each dedicated to exploring different facets of Hong Kong's underground music scene. The first chapter, titled "The Emergence of Underground Music," provides an historical overview of the development of alternative music genres in Hong Kong, highlighting the contributions of key individuals and organizations. The second chapter, "Experimental and Noise Music," delves into the world of experimental and noise music, exploring the techniques and aesthetics employed by artists in this genre. The third chapter, "Deconstructed Electronic Music," examines the fusion of electronic and acoustic elements in deconstructed electronic music, highlighting the creative processes and innovations that have emerged in this field.

The fourth chapter, "Indie-Pop and Alternative Rock," explores the emergence of indie-pop and alternative rock genres in Hong Kong, examining the influences, styles, and cultural contexts that shape these musical expressions. The fifth chapter, "Sound Art and DIY Computer Music," focuses on the growing popularity of sound art and DIY 'computer music' practices in Hong Kong, exploring the artistic possibilities and challenges associated with these genres.

Throughout the book, Fractured Scenes employs a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from musicology, cultural studies, and sociology to provide a comprehensive understanding of Hong Kong's underground music scene. The interviews conducted with musicians and sound artists offer a firsthand account of their experiences, challenges, and creative processes, providing valuable insights into the motivations and inspirations behind their work.

In addition to the interviews, the book also includes original artwork and photographs that capture the essence of Hong Kong's underground music scene, adding visual appeal to the text. The artwork, created by local artists and photographers, provides a visual representation of the diverse range of musical styles and aesthetics that thrive in Hong Kong.

Fractured Scenes is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the rich and diverse world of music and sound art beyond the mainstream. It offers a comprehensive and insightful perspective on the Hong Kong underground music scene, providing a valuable resource for musicians, artists, academics, and enthusiasts alike. By challenging traditional notions and shedding light on the creative practices that exist beneath the surface, Fractured Scenes contributes to the ongoing dialogue about the evolving nature of music and its cultural significance in the 21st century.

Weight: 389g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811559150
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021